Door latch mechanism



July 7, 1953 G. HAGSTRQM 2,644,704

` 4 i DooR LATCH MECHANISM' @filed Aug. 11, 195o s sheets-sheet 1 attorneys,

3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 11, 1950 Gttornegg G. HAGSTROM DOOR LATCH MECHANISM July 7, 1953 3 sheets-sheetl s Filed Aug. 11, 1950 Patented July 7, 1953 to The Safe Padlock and Hardware Company, Lancaster, vPa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application August 11, 19,50, serialNo. 178,897

f 11 Claims. (017;2925169) My present invention relates to certain improvements in door latch mechanisms; and the nature and objects of the invention willbe readily recognized by those skilled in the arts involved in the lightof the followingiexplanfation and detailed description ofthe 'accompanying drawings illustrating what I at present consider to Abe the preferred embodimentsv orv mechanical `rexpressions of the invention froml 'among various other forms, designs, arrangements,v embodiments, modifications, variations, combinations and constructions, of which the invention is capable within the broad spirit and scope thereof as define by the appended claims.

The invention is concernedgenerally with those types of door locking, latch mechanisms primarily intended for, although not limited to, use on inside doors, such as bathroom, bedroom and the like doors, where privacy rather than security is the essential purpose of the latch mechanism. Such types of latch mechanism provide for releasable locking thereof with the door shut, vby a person at the inner side of the door against opening thereof from the outside by normal outside knob operation. When locked, this type of latch mechanism is thereafter released automatically by normal operation of the inner knob for retraction of the latch mechanism to open the door. Usually the latch mechanism is provided with a manual operating member thereon or associated therewith at the inner side of the door for effecting locking of the latchl against outside knob operation thereof with the door closed. Such a member may take the form of a latchlock operating button mounted in the inner door knob, and it is to this particularform of such types of latch mechanism to which my present invention is especially directed. The invention is not, however, limited as to all features, constructions or combinations thereof, to embodiment with door locking, latch mechanisms of the form having an inner knob-mounted latch lock operating member, as will befurther developed hereinafter.

An object of the invention is to provide va door locking, latch mechanism of the general types hereinabove characterized,v whichis of structurally and mechanically simple Ydesign'.capable of relatively W @Ost quantity productionfyet,

which provides a lock mechanism of a positive operating, precisionutype v'v vl'iich Willreta'in its precision and efficiency of operation over a relatively long operating lifeunderthe various conditions to which such a latch mechanism-may be subjected in normal operation and use.

Another Objectis to provide an improved design and construction of such a door locking, latch mechanismv4 which may be readily, positively locked .by a person at the inside of a door against opening of thedoor fromthe outside, but which will function to automatically f release lthe ylatch mechanism from locked position upon closing of the door in the event that the latch mechanism has been locked with the door open.

Another object is to provide for emergencyun.. locking of sucha latch mechanism from the outside with the door closed, without damage to the mechanism and by the yuse of any commonly available instrumentality to therebyv eliminate the necessity forv a special tool or implement for such an emergency operation.

A further object is to provide such a latch mechanism which when in its latch-locked or clogging position, will be released Vand unlocked automatically by either door opening operation of the inner knob or by depression or retraction of the latch bolt of the mechanism independently of knob operation,

. A feature of the invention in carrying out the foregoing general object resides in the utilization of a single, unitaryV spindle mounting thereon and operated by inner and outer door knobs, with the inner door knob having limited rotation relative to the spindle for effecting releasing or undogging operationof the latch lock from its locked position. v

Another object is to provide for automatic selfcentering of such a lost motion mounted door knob on the latch operating spindle, in order that, following lock releasing rotation fof the inner door knob relative to the-spindle, such knob will be returnedV to its normal or' centered position on the spindle. Anothert general object is to provide a .design and construction of doorA latch mechanism including an operating spindle and inner and outer door knobs mounted thereon, in which the necessity for the use of screws on the insidedoor knob and on the insideland outside roses for the knobs is. eliminated.

ments of the mechanism, to enable the mechanisrnto be installed on and used with doors of different thicknesses. A feature of the invention in carrying outthe above object of latch mechanism adjustment for doors of different thicknesses is found in the pro-.

vision of a simple yoke member operably coupling the latch bolt of the latch unit with the latch locking mechanism for actuating the latter to released, undogging position by retraction or depression of the latch bolt, with such yoke member having one leg thereof bendable to a position of angular adjustment to adjust the yoke to the width of a door on which the latch mechanism is to be installed. z

A further object is to provide an efcient and improved construction of tubular latch bolt unit particularly useful as a component of the door locking, latch mechanism of my present invention but which is also capable of general use as a tubular latch bolt unit for other forms and types of door latch mechanisms.

With the foregoing and various other objects, features and results in view, which others will be readily apparent from the following detailed description and explanation, my invention consists in certain novel features in design and construction, and in combinations and sub-combinations of parts and elements, all as will be more fully referred to and specied hereinafter.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,V in which similar reference characters refer to corresponding parts and elements throughout the several figures thereof:

Fig. 1 is a View in outer edge elevation of a portion of a door having installed therein a latch mechanism of my invention, the inner and outer knobs being shown in side'elevation and the latch bolt being shown in end elevation.

Fig. l2 is a view in horizontal section through the door and latch mechanism of Fig. 1, taken as on the line 2-2 of Fig. l, with the mechanism in unlocked position.

Fig, 3 is a view in vertical, longitudinal section through the tubular latch bolt unit of the mechanism of Figs. 1 and 2, taken as on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig.- 4 lis a detailed view in transverse section through the inner knob push button shank or pin, taken as on the line 4 4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a view in transverse section through the outer end of the inner knob insert and spindle, taken as on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2,'and showing the provision for limited movement of the inner knob and its insert or hub relative to the spindle.

Fig. 6 is a view in transverse section through Athe inner knob insert or hub taken as on the lline 6-6 of Fig. 2, and showing the spring loaded balls of the inner knob self centering means.

Fig. 7 is a view in vertical section through the door mounted latch mechanism of Fig. 1, takenk as on the line 1 1 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a view in vertical section through the door mounted latch mechanism of Fig. 1, being a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing the mechanism in locked or dogged position.

Fig. 9 is a view in Vertical transverse section taken as on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8, and showing particularly the latch plate and spring loaded latch slidably mounted thereon.Y

Fig. 10 is an exploded view illustrating in per-Y spects of limitation, for purposes of illustration and explanation'. Such example latch mecha- 'nism is shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings in mounted and installed position on an inside door D of more or less conventional type. This example latch mechanism, referring now to Figs. 2 and 3 in connection with Fig. 1, includes the tubular latch bolt unit L, an actuating spindle S mounted in position extending transversely through and in operative association with the latch unit L,

"and inner and outer knobs I and O mounted on the opposite inner and outer ends, respectively, of spindle S for rotation of the spindle to actuate the latch bolt unit.

General assembly The latch bolt unit L is mounted in horizontally disposed position in a mortised, bored, or otherwise formed, opening 2 which extends into the body of the door D through the free edge 3 thereof. The spindle S is mounted in position extended transversely through the door D and the latch unit L, through acircular bored opening d which extends transversely through the door across and intersects opening 2, with the axes of these bores 2 and 4 being perpendicular to each other. The forward, outer end of unit L is provided with a vertically disposed face plate I'l attached to a back plate |05 secured on the forward end of case |00. Unit L is mounted in position in opening 2, in the usualmanner by attaching the plates |05 and |01 to the door edge by screws |01a, as shown by Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

The spindle S is, in accordance with my present invention as expressed in this example there- Y of, formed as a single, unitary memberv which is longitudinally flutedto provide the longitudinally disposed grooves I0 spaced equal distances apart therearound and being extended throughout the length and opening at their opposite ends through the ends of the spindle L (see Figs. 4 through 8) Spindle S thus formed, has in effect a square cross section. The spindle S is provided with external screw threading on the end lenth thereof which projects beyond the outer side of door D in installed position, for threading thereonto of the outer door knob unit O. The spindle S is primarily supported in its horizontally disposed position at the central or intermediate portion thereof which extends through and is received in associated structure and elements of the latch bolt unit L.V

At the outer side of the door, over and across the outer end opening of the spindle receiving bore 4, there is positioned a back plate l2 (see Figs. 7 and 10), which in this instance may be considered to be of rectangular plan form having a width Yless than the width of the bore 4 but a length greater than such bore for seating v,at its opposite ends .against the outer surface of the door. The opposite end edges |211. of back platev I2 are formed'of arcuate, outwardly curved shape transversely of the plate. The back plate l2 is provided with-a central bore or opening [2b therethrough of a greater internal diameter than the lexternal diameter or maximum width of :spindle IS, for vreceiving therethrough the spindle S in assembled position of the latch mechanism. Bores I2C are provided extending through back plate I2 along the longitudinal center thereof spaced respectively above and below spindle receiving opening I2b.

' An outside rose IG is provided of circular form having an axial bore therethrough formed by an annular inturned flange portion |40, and a peripheral annular inturned flange Mb for mounting on and over the arcuate edges I2a of back plate I2 to attach the rose to the plate. The internal diameter of flange Mb is substantially equal to the diameter of a circle of which the curved edges I2a of back plate I2 form arcs, so that, the rose I4 can be forced on and over back plate I2 with the inturned flange Illb` of the rose tightly engaged over and across the curved edges I2@ of back plate I2 with a pressed fit.

At the inner side of the door D extending over and across the inner end of spindle receiving bore 4, there is positioned a latch plate 20 of generally rectangular plan form having a central opening 2| therethrough of square shape defined by inwardly, laterally bent tabs or flanges I2a therearound. This square opening 2l is provided for receiving therethrough the spindle S in assembled position of the mechanism, the Width of the square opening 2I being greater than the maximum external diameter or width of the spindle S. The latch plate 20 which is of generally rectangular shape, has a greater length than width and is positioned with its length horizontally disposed. The opposite end edges 20a, of latch plate 29 are arcuate or curved transversely of the plate, as will be clear by reference to Fig. in particular. Tapped bores 20h are formed through the latch plate 20 along its vertical or transverse center, spaced above and below the square opening 2l of the plate.

An inside rose I5 is provided of circular form having an axial bore therethrough defined by an inwardly turned annular flange |511.. Inner rose I5 is formed with an inturned peripheral flange |51) therearound having an internal diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the circle of which the curved opposite edges 20a. of latch plate 20 form arcs, so that, rose I5 may be mounted and attached in assembled position on plate 20 with the flange |517 thereof engaged tightly over and across curved edges 20a with a pressed t.

In assembled, installed position ofk the latch mechanism on a door, such as the door D of this example, the back plate I2 and the latch plate 20 are connected and drawn tightly together against the outer and inner sides of door D over the adjacent end openings, respectively, of bore yII by the threaded and headed bolts or long screws I6 which are extended inwardly through bores I2C of back plate I2 with their inner threaded ends Ia. threaded into the tapped bores 20h of latch plate 20, and their outer headed ends Ib engaged against back plate I2. 'I'he outer rose I4 and the inner rose I5 are attached to the back plate I2 and latch plate 20 in the manner hereinbefore described, so that, no screws or other fastening members are required in or through either rose, yet the roses are securely xed in position over' and closing the bore 4 through the door to provide by their central inturned ange portions 14a and I5a, the knob hub seats or supplemental bearings for the outer and inner knobs O` and I, respectively.

By the foregoing construction and arrangement, not only is the necessity for screws or.

fastening members in the inner and outer roses B eliminated, but the vassembly is rendered acljustable so as to be readily adapted forinstallation on doors of varying thicknesses. This is made possible by the inherentv adjustability of the spacing possible between the back plate `I2 and the latch plate 20 dueto the use of the threaded long screws I6 by which these plates are connected together for spacing adjustment therebetween, so that the plates may be clamped in installed position against the inner and outer sides of doors of different thicknesses.

The outer knob O comprises a unit formedof a shank I'I secured on and over an insert member or hub I8 having an internally threaded bore I 8a therethrough, and a knob forming cap member I9 secured at its inner side to the outer annular Bange portion I'Ia of shank II. A tappedbore I8b is formed radially through shank I'I and into .hub I8 for receiving the usual set or lock screw I8c (see Fig. l0) for locking outer knob O in adjusted, assembled position threaded onto the outer end of spindle S. The knob O is assembled in operative position on spindle S by threading the hub I8 thereof onto the threaded outer end of spindle S until the inner reduced diameter end of the hub seats in the annular bore formed by the interned ange Ibla of the outer rose I 4 in bearing relation with that flange, as will be clear by reference to Figs. 2, '7 and 9.

The inner knob I comprises a unit formed of a shank Il similar to the shank of outer knob O,

which is secured on and over an insert member,v

or locking latch actuating hub member 30 which forms an element of the latch locking organization of my invention, and :a knob forming cap member I9 secured at and around its inner side to the outer annular flange portion Ila of shank I1.

receive the inner end length of spindle S. The

inner knob I is assembled in operative position on spindle S by sliding the hub 30 onto the spindle until the inner reduced external diameter portion 32 of the hub 30 is received in the axial bore of the inner rose I 5 which is formed by the inturned ange I5a of the rose, with such flange forming 'a bearing for the hub 30 and the inner knob I. The lost motion mounting of the hub 30 with the inner knob I and the manner in which the inner knob I is retained in position on spindle `S for rotation of that spindle will be referred to and explained in detail hereinafter. Thus, with the latch mechanism, including spindle S and the inner and outer knobsvI and O, in assembled, installed position on the door D the latch bolt unit L may be operated to retract the latch bolt thereof for opening of the door, by rotation in either direction of either the inner or outer door knobs I or O, as will be readily understood by those familiar With this art.

present invention, is of the tubular type and isr adapted for general use as a plain latch bolt unit of the spindle -actuated type, as well as a tubula-r latch unit for association with various f special types of door latch mechanisms, such as the mechanism of the inside door set of the present example. It is of a design and construction which can be readily manufactured in quantity production but which will lassure positive precision operation with a minimum of failure under conditions of use.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 10 of the drawings, in particular, the unit embodies a case which may be stamped, pressed or otherwise formed from asuitabl-e sheet material to include a sidewall |0|, and opposite edge, parallel wallsy |2 and |03 connected at one end by an end wall |04. In the present example installation, the wall |02 happens to be the upper wall, wall |03 the lower or bottom wall, and wall |04 the inner end wall. At the forward end case |00 is open and the walls |02 and |03 have at their outer end edges the upwardly and downwardly turned tongues |02a and |03a, respectively, by which the case has vsecured and attached to the forward end thereof a vertically disposed back plate |05 having a central opening |06 therethrough which, with the plate in assembled position on the forward end of case |00, is aligned with the open forward end of the case (see Fig. 8). A complementary face plate |01 is suitably secured on and covering the outer side of the inner or back plate |05. Face plate |01 is formed with a rectangular opening |08 therethrough which is aligned with opening |06 in the back plate |01. The rectangular opening |08 in face plate |01 slidably receives l therein the usual door latch bolt 99.

Case |00 is completed by the attachment thereto of 4a cap |09 which forms the side wall of the case opposite and parallel with side wall l.

Cap |09 at its forward end is provided with a l forwardly extended tongue |09a by which it is secured to the back plate and face plate |01 in assembled position. The rear end of cap |09 is formed with a recess |0917 which receives a tongue |04a projecting from the inner end wall |04 by which the rear end of the cap is attached in assembled position to case |00. Top wall |02 and bottom wall |03' are each formed of reduced width intermediate their forward and rear ends to provide the elongated, longitudinal seating edges |021) and |0319, respectively. Walls |2 and I3 at their forward ends at the open side of the case which receives the cap |09 thereover, are formed to provide the projecting tongues |02c and |03c, respectively. Seats |02d and |03d are formed by the edges of the walls |02 and |03, respectively, which connect tongues I 02e and |030 with the elongated seats |0217 and |031). Walls |02 and |03 at the forward ends of the cut outs which form the seats ||0 provide the transversely par-- -allel tabs or tongues |02e, while at the rear ends of such cut outs, walls |02 and |03 are formed to provide the outwardly projecting tabs or tongues l02f, respectively.

The upper 'and lower walls |02 and |03 of case |00 are formed with inwardly extended cut outs or recessed portions therein adjacent but spaced from the inner end of the case to provide the similar, transversely aligned seats ||0. These seats ||0 are extended by forward undercuts in the walls |02 and |03 to provide the forwardly extended slots ||0a. Wall |0| and cap |09 are formed with the circular openings I0 transversely therethrough, respectively, which with the unit in assembled relation are axially aligned for receiving therethrough the latch bolt 'actuating spindle S.

The case side wall forming cap |09 is formed with the laterally offset, longitudinal edge flanges ange |09d, in which latter flange the recess |96 is formed. The flanges |090 terminate spaced from the forward end of the cap and the cap is formed intermediate its forward end and the forward ends of flanges |090 with the opposite side, laterally extending tongues |09d and the forward opposite recesses |09e. The offset longitudinal flanges |090 of the cap are formed with the pairs of opposite transversely aligned recesses |09f in locations for receiving therein the pairs of case tongues |02'e and |03f, respectively.

In assembled position of cap I9 on case I0, tongues |020 and |030 seat in cap recesses |096; cap tongues |09d seat on case seats |02d. and |3d; the offset flanges |09c of cap |09 seat on the elongated longitudinal edge seats |2b and |031) of case walls |02 and |03, and extend rearwardly over and across the cut out portions which form the inset seats V| I0; case tongues |2e and |021 are received in cap recesses |09f; and case tongue |04a is received and seats in recess |0919 of the offset end flange |09d ofvcap |09. The tab or tongue |09a bent up from the forward end of cap |09 extends through opening |05 of back plate |05, being engaged over the adjacent edge portion of that opening, while the tongues |02a and |0317, of case |00 also extend into back plate opening |06 and are engaged over adjacent edge portions of that opening.

The case closing cap |9 thus has in effect snap attachment to the case 0 in assembled position, so that it may be readily assembled on the case with the case assembled to the back plate |05 at the forward end thereof. The tab or tongue |04@ may after assembly be bent slightly inwardly over and engaged with the cap to insure against cap displacement. t may be as readily bent outwardly sufficiently to enable ready detachment and removal of the cap from the case in the event that it should become desirable to open the case for repair or replacement of any of the parts of the latch bolt mechanism contained within the case. The complete case itself comprises but two (2) readily manufactured major components, namely the -case |00 and cap |09, while the latch bolt receiving and mounting structure attached to the forward end of the case comprises but two (2) parts, namely, the back plate |05 and the face plate |01 which are readily assembled on the forward end of the case and to each other.

A hub or roll-back mounting, bearing member ||2 having a circular bore I|3 therethrough is mounted on seats l0 in position extending across case |00 between wall |0| and the cap |09' with the bore I3 thereof axially aligned with the Wall bores H0. Bearing member ||2 is formed with the opposite extended portions forming flanges H211. which engage seats ||0 and at their forward ends are engaged in the undercut grooves ||0a, respectively in walls |02 and |03. At the forward edge of bearing member l2 an inwardly turned flange H4 is provided which is formed curved or arcuate about the axis of bore H3 as a center. Flange I4 has an effective length equal to the spacing between the inner surfaces of walls |02 and |03 so as to rit in position therebetween. A hub or roll-back member H5 having a, square opening ||6 therethrough dimensioned to slidably flt and receive spindle S, is provided for rotatable mounting on and against the inner side of bearing member ||2. Hub member ||5 is formed with a curved forward edge H6 complementary with the inner curved side of 209e and the laterally offset transverse inner end arcuate flange ||4 for slidable bearing engagement with the flange. The curved forward edge I6 of roll-back or hub memberI I 5 has its opposite ends extended outwardly beyond the body of the hub member to form the upper and lower lugs |1. i f f A yoke member |20 of generally elongated, rectangular form is slidably mounted and confined within case for actuation by rotation of the hub member or roll-back to retract and project the latch bolt 99. This yoke includes a vertically disposed wall |2| having an elongated opening |22 therethrough with this wall in assembled position of'the yoke in the unit disposed and slidable between the inner side of hub member I I5 and the outer side wall or cap I 09, as will be clear by reference to Fig. 8 in particular. At its forward, upper side the yoke has an inwardly bent guide and positioning finger |23 which has slidable engagement at its free end with the vinner side of case wall |0|. At its forward lower side yoke |20 is formed with an inturned flange |24 which also has at its inner free end, slidable bearing engagement with the inner side of case wall |0|. Flange |24 is formed with a rectangular opening |25 therethrough. Yoke |20 bridges hub member I5 and the spindle S which extends therethrough in assembled position, and at its rear end between hub bearing member ||2 and the inner end wall |04`of case |00, the yoke is bent inwardly for its full width to form the flange |26 thereacross which has slidable bearing engagement with the inner surface of wall I 0|, and which together with nger |23 and kflange |24 at the forward end of the yoke, provides the positioning and aligning support for the yoke for reciprocation thereof within the case. The yoke |20 f has lateral guiding support in the direction of cap |09 by slidable engagement with the inner side, fiat surface provided by the portion of the cap contiguous thereto.

Theyoke member |20 haswformed and bent up therefrom at the upper and lower side edges of wal-l |2|, the upwardly and downwardly projected ears |30, respectively.y Ears |30 are located on wall |2| intermediate the length of the elongated opening |22 and in positions at the rear of and engaged by the upper and lower lugs respectively, of the hub member or rollback ||5. Hence, in assembled position rotation of roll-back ||5 in either direction by spindle S will cause the rearwardly moving lug' to engage its yoke mounted ear |30 to'thereby force or slide the yoke rearwardly in case |00 in a direction to retractthe latch .bolt 99. f

Latch bolt 99 of the latch unit L, may be considered to be of generally conventional design to provide the usual inclined face or surface for slidably engaging against the strike plate 8| (see Fig. 2) of a door frame. In this instance, latch bolt 99 is slidably positioned in and guided by the square hole |08 of face plate |01, and p-rojected inwardly through the opening |00 of the back plate |05 which is attached to the forward end of case |00. Latch bolt 99 has suitably connected to the rear end thereof a tail piece |3| which extends inwardly a distance into case |00 and which is provided at its inner end with an upwardly projected nose forming a hook |32. The hooked inner end of tail piece |3| extends into the rectangular opening 25 of flange |24 of the yoke |20 in position withthe upwardly extended nose of the hook |32 engageable against the inner side of flange |24 at the upper side of opening |25. |20 within case |00 the .hooked inner end |32 Upon rearward movement of ryoke of tail piece |3| being engaged with the yok will draw the tail piece rearwardly andretract latch lbolt`99. However, the latch bolt 99 with tail piece |3| is movable rearwardly and re'la-y l tive to and independently of yoke |20 by rearwardly acting forces app-lied to the latch bolt. Under these conditions the tail` piece |3| slides freely .rearwardly through yoke |24 completely independently of the yoke.

A coil expansion spring |32 is mounted'on and y.rnally continuously biased yto its lforwardly projected position. With the unit L of my present invention the spring'loadingof the yoke |20 is effected by a coil expansionV spring |33 which is inserted-under compressionwithin casel |00 betweenthe inner end wall- |04 vof the case and the inner end nange |26 of the yoke |20. when ron back l2 is "rotated in' either'direction by rotation of the'spindle- S whichextends transversely there through in assembled position, the yoke |20 is forcedrearwardlyagainstspringf|33 and the latch bolt 99 is retracted. Upon release "of the turning forces on spindle S' the spring |33 acts to instantly move the` yokeforwardly to .re--l turn it to normal, latch bolt projected position.

When the latch bolt 99 is retracted by rearward i movement of yokev |20 against spring |33', the spring |32, however, is not further conjnressed.Y But when latch bolt-99 is' depressed Yand retractedindependently of yoke |20, spring |32" i`s com# pressed and in order to permit of such compres-- sion, spring |33 must not yield to theforces ap' plied to the yoke by spring |32. Hence, spring |33 is formed heavier to exert 'a Aforce greater than that of spring 32, sofas to beunyieldin'g `under such conditions. g No claim is made'herein to the design," arrangement and construction of the ,latch bolt unit per se, as such'latch bolt unit'is disclosed and claimed in my copending application Serial No. 271,492, as a'division of this application.`

Automatically releasable Alocking latch organisation 1 Y In carrying out those features of my invention iby which the latch mechanism including latch. bolt unit L, can be relea'sably locked from the in- 'side of the door, lI have provided a locking member under the control ofthe button B, together 'with a 'dog or latch member under the control selectively of either the inner knobwI'or of the latch bolt 99, `for releasably clogging Athe lock member in locked position. f A 1 'f The manuallyj operable; push button B for effecting locking'A and for effecting" the clogging or latching of fthe locking member, looked position, is positioned in an axial bore/in the shell I9 of the inner knob unit I for free vre"ci'procation therein. Referring now to Fig.k `7 Ain"connection with Fig. l0, button B is provided with a rstem or pin 32 which extends axially inwardly there-` from and whichis slidably received at `itsin1`1er end in an axial bore 3,3'in`spindle S` which opens through theA outer end of the spindle within the knobI. A' coilexpansion sprilng'34` ismou'nted groove I0.

1 l on and around stem 32 and acts to continuously bias button B and stem 34 outwardly to their normal position with the latch released'or undogged and the locking member in unlocked position.

A square locking sleeve 4B is provided having an internal width to form a square opening through the sleeve to receive the spindle S with a smooth running t, with the sleeve slidably lmounted on the spindle. Locking sleeve 4G has an external width to slide into and from the square opening 2| and its forming flanges 2 la of the latch plate 20, by reciprocation of sleeve 50 jon spindle S under the control of the inner knob bu'tton B and .its biasing spring 34.

. The push button B is operatively connected with the locking sleeve 40 in such a manner that upon depression or inward movement of the button and its, stem 34 relative to the inner knob I i and spindle S, the locking sleeve 40 Ywill be slid inwardly into spindle locking position in the square opening 2| of the latch plate 2|). For this purpose I provide a relatively small diameter, wire type of push rod 4|, and I utilize one of the longitudinal Vgrooves I provided by the fluted form of spindle S, within which to reciprocally mount and confine this push rod. 'Ihe diameter of push rod 4| is such that when positioned within its groove IU of shaft S the rod is confined within ,the confines of the periphery of the spindle S, as willfbe clear by reference to Figs. 4, 5, 6' and 9. The push rod 4| in assembled position in a groove I extends outwardly from the outer end of spindle S along one Aside of stem 32 over the spring 34 mounted thereon to a, point adjacent the inner end of the button B, Where the push rod terminates as a radially projected pin 4|a bent therefrom. (See Fig. 10.) A transverse or radial bore 32a (see Fig. 10) is formed in stern 34 and receives therein the pin 4 la of push rod 4| to thus attach the push rod to the stem and button unit. Depression of button B and inward movement of stem 32 thus effects inward sliding movement of the push rod through the spindle groove I0. Reverse or outward movement of stem 34 slides the push rod outwardly through its receiving The square locking sleeve 4D is slidably mounted on the square spindle S in position thereon adjacent the outer side of the latch plate 20, the sleeve thus Yextending over and across the groove l0 within which push rod 4| is mounted. The push rod extends inwardly along spindle S in its groove I0 through locking sleeve 4I beneath one flat side wall of that sleeve. The push rod 4| adjacent its inner endis coined or Aprovided with an outwardly facing flattened portion 42 having a length substantially equal to the width of the side wall of locking sleeve 4| positioned thereabove. Coined portion 42 provides atits opposite ends the shoulders 42a for engaging against the opposite edges of the locking sleeve side wall adjacent thereto. This coined inner end portion 42 of push rod 4| is so formed and arranged that in assembled relation on spindle S with locking sleeve 40, the adjacent side wall of the sleeve is seated therein and engaged by the opposite end shoulders 42a thereof, so that, thesleeve is reciprocated on spindle S by reciprocation of push rod 4| under the control of button B and its spring 34, Such formation of the coined or attened portion 42 of push rod 4| is shown in Figs. 11 and 12 in particulanin oonnection with Figs. 9 and 10. Y

When the button B in the'inside knob is depressed from its latch released position of Fig.` 7,

1.2 toits latching Yor clogging position of Fig. 8, the push rod 4| is moved-inwardlyA on spindle SV with 'the nouter shoulder 42d lof' `thecoined portion 42 of the rod engaging lockingsleeve4 Iand sliding this sleeve inwardly into the square hole 2| 4of the latch plate 20 which is ,secured in fixed position Aon door D. Insuch-jposition the spindle S is locked against rotation and cannot be actuated byv the; outer knob to operate thelatch bolt unit ,Ltofretract thelatch Ybolt 99 from its projected, doorflatchingpOsition.; Upon release .of .the forcesl acting-to vdepress button B against spring 34, in theabsenceof s orne other means for retaining jlockingisleeveV 40 Yin its spindle locking position -inlatch=plate 2U, the spring `34. will instantly bias'button. B, andy its'stem 34 loutwardly and will thereby draw or slide push rod 4| outwardly and withdraw locking sleeve 40 from the square opening/2| Vin latch plate 20 to release' thespindle S for door opening operation. Suchlatter position of the-mechanism is shown inFigs. 2 and '7 of thedrawings.l

In 'this' example embodiment of the invention, afwash'era is mounted ;on spindle S in the completed Iassembly,"atthe 4inner side of latchplate `2|?. Af lock ringY S'iofV the split, snap type engaged in suitableretaining notches in thespindle is mounted at the -innerwsideof washer 65 to retain the kwasher against displacement; inwardly on the spindle, -thewasher 65 lthus forming a limitingstop, rfor inward :movement of locking sleeve 40 through latchplateopening r2 as clearly shown by Figs; "I"and18;;ff n

The insert or hub member component 30 of the inner knob unit'Ifhas theA smooth walled axial bore '3|' therethrough-'which permits of lost motion orlimited rotationzof the inner knob'on spindle S, asreferred-'to generally hereinbefore. In this example,-the l'ostmotion mounting of the inner knob I on spindle S isaccomplished'byproviding diametri'c'ally .across the outer end ofV thehub member 3a relatively wide milled groove 35. A positioning and movement limiting pin 36 having a diameterconsiderablyless than. the width of the groove-35 is mounted'in and extends transversely through spindle S at the outer end of hub member 30, with the opposite end lengths of this pin positioned through groove 35 at opposite sides of the spindle S; Thusl `mounted and constrained by pin 35, the inner knob I may be rotated on and relative to spindle S within the range determined by the width ofgroove 35 and-the engagement of the pin against the opposite side walls of the groove.

With the inner knob Ihavi-ng such lost motion mountin'g'on the spindle S, I have devised a selfcentering means therefor by` which upon release of the knob after'a locking latch releasing and latch bolt retracting rotation, theY knob will be returned automatically to its normal, centered position on the spindle. VReferring to Figs'. 2, 6 and 10, the inner knob hub member 30 is formed with a pair of 'diametrically-vopposite axially aligned radiall bores .31 therethrough Vopening at 'their inner ends into the axial bore 3 vof the hub member. A ball 38 is confined in each ofthe bores 37 at the innerhend thereof in engagement with spindle S1, and is biased inwardly into'engagement with spindle byV an expansion spring 39. Each spring 39' is maintained under compression Ybetween the ball'38 at Vthe inner end thereof and theY knob shank V|'| ,which extends overl andA closes';the outer end of the bore 3l. The balls'SB-arethus springv loaded and continuouslybiasedinto and maintained in engagement inl and Aextending outwardlyV 13 with the spindle S. The bores 31 are so located in hub member 35 that with that member in its normal position the balls 38 are engaged in grooves i5 of spindle Sat the opposite sides thereof to thus yieldingly hold the hub member' ber 3l back to normal position with the ballsl centered in the grooves i at opposite sides of the spindle.

By a further feature of my invention I provide a latch 55 for releasably latching or dogging the locking sleeve lili in locking position engaged in latch plate opening 2l against displacement therefrom. This latch 5i) is under the control of i and is released automatically from latching or dogging position', either by lost motion rotation of inner knob I on spindle S or by depression` or retraction of the latch bolt 99 independently of the yoke |20 of the latch bolt unit L.

Referring to Fig. 10 in connection with Figs. 7,

48 and 9, the latch 55 is formed as a generally U-shaped structure comprising the slide frame orv base 5i and the actuating leg 52.*spaced therefrom Vand normally generally parallel therewith. The leg 52 is joined at one end with the adjacent end of the frame or base y5l by a curved or arcuate end wall 53 thereacross having the opposite outwardly projected ends 53a at the opposite sides of the latch member 55. Both the frameor base 5i and the leg 52 are formed transversely open throughout their major area to provide the elongated, longitudinally disposed openings Sla and 52a, therethrough for receiving spindle S and for permitting movements of the latch member transvesrely across and relative to the spindle. The arcuate, transverse end wall 53 of latch member 55 has formed therefrom at the outer side end of the frame or base 5l an inwardly extending dog or latch tongue 54 which -is disposed along the longitudinal center of the latch member. This dog 54 provides the opposite side edgesv 54a. as inclined inwardly and converging at the inner pointed end of dog 54. (See Fig. 9.)

The leg 52 of latch member 5i! is adapted to be bent laterally outwardly from its normally, generally parallel relation with frame or base 5i in order to adjust the organization of which it formsV a component, to doors of varying degrees of increased width. With the leg 52 in its normally parallel relationship with 5i, the latch is then adapted for use with an installation on'a door of minimum width of the range of widths to which the unit is adapted. The latch actuating leg 52 may be rendered bendable for adjustment in any suitable manner, by utilizing a' suitable 'material and a thickness thereof such that the leg may be readily bent outwardly to the desired adjusted position on the job at the (See Fig. 9.)

The latch plate slidably mounts and receives thereon the latch member50 and to this end platev 20 has struck up therefrom the spaced inwardly turned guides 22 for slidably receiving therebetween the opposite longitudinal edge portions of the slide frame or base 5| ofthe latch member' 50. These guides 22 are positioned spacedA apart-' 75;

time of installation.

vertically between the'outer end edge 20a of plate 20 andthe square opening 2l formed byflanges 2la in the plate. Guides 22 are located on the outer side of plate l2li with the plate assembled ininstallation on a door, the flanges 2 la defining the square opening 2| being extended from the inner side of the installed plate. Ar generally rectangular opening 23 isiformed through latch plate 20 intermediate square opening 2l and the inner end edge 20a (see Fig. 10) for receiving therein and therethrough the end of latchY member 50 connected by end wall 53. The latch member is assembled in operative mounted position on latch plate 25 with the guide frame or base 5I thereof slidably received in and between and constrained to horizontal sliding movements longitudinally on plate 20 by the guides 22. The joined ends of frame 5l and leg 52 with the end wall 53 are received in and through yplate opening 23 with the end wall 53 and latch actuating leg 52 positioned at the inner side of the plate, as will be clear by reference to Fig. 8 in particular. Thus mounted, the dog or latch tongue 54 is located at the outer side of latch plate 20 on the inner side of spindle S and innerknob insert or hub 30 in relation to the outer edge 3 of door D in installed position.

The latch member 5B is spring loaded and is continuously biased outwardly to thereby continuously bias the dog 54 radially inwardly toward spindle S and the inner knob hub member 3S. Such biasing in the present example is effected by torsion spring 55 which is mounted on a lug struck up and bent laterally outwardly from the upper edge portion'of plate 20 v(see Fig. 9). Spring 55 has its opposite ends providing the spring arms .55a and 55h. In assembled position arm 55a of spring 55 is engagedv under the inturned flange |55 of outer rose I5 which is mounted over and secured on latch plate 25, while the opposite arm 55 is engaged with and against the outer side of the vertically disposed arcuate end wallv of latch member 50 to thereby continuously bias member 5D outwardly on and across latch plate 20 to move the dog or latching tongue 54 to its inwardly projected position.

The latch member 50 is actuated from its inwardly biased position releasably dogging the square sleeve Ml in spindle locking position engaged in square hole 2l` of latch plate 20, by rotation in either direction of the inner knob I on and independently of spindle S. Such latch releasing actuation of member 55 is effected by caming action between the inner end of the inner knob hub member 30' and the dog or latching tongue 54 of the latch member 50. The inner end ofv hub member 35 is formed of reduced axial bore of outer rose I5 formed by annular flange l5a and assumes a position at the outer side of the slide frame. 5i of latch member 50 with the dog or latching tongue 54. of member 5B projecting into the adjacent vcamming slot 65 of the hub member, as clearly shown by Fig.,

8 of the drawings.

Thus, it will be apparent, that rotation ofinner knob I independently of 'spindle 8 will 'causeone or the other vvof the camming edges 66a of slot 50 to'engage one or the other of the inclined edges 56a of latch member dog 54 and cam the latch member 55 radially outwardly relative to spindle S against the action of the spring unit 55. In assembled position with the locking sleeve im in its normal position moved outwardly on spindle S free of locking plate 20, the latch member 5B is in its normal position of inward bias with the inner end of dog 54 yieldingly riding on the adjacent outer surface of the locking sleeve. vIn this example, dog 5d rides on a corner between flat walls of sleeve 43, as shown by Fig. 9. When, however, the locking sleeve ll is moved inwardly by depression of button B to locking position engaged in the square opening2i of locking plate 20, the width of sleeve 4Q is such that the outer end thereof clears the inner end of dog 54, and the latch member 5B under the bias of spring 55 moves further outwardly to instantly move dog 5d inwardly over outer end of locking sleeve 40 to position engaging and holding the locking sleeve in locked position against the forces applied thereto by spring 34. This spring 34 constantly acts to move the sleeve outwardly on the spindle lS to return it to position disengaged from locking plate 20 and unlocking spindlerS for rotation by outer knob O. Y

In accordance with my invention the latch member 5i), aside from being operable to release locking sleeve 0 from locked position by the inner knob I, is also operable to released or undogging position by depression of latch bolt 99 to retracted position independently of spindle retraction of the latch bolt. In this example I carry out this feature of the invention by providing a yoke member 10, the construction of which is clearly shown in Fig. 10. This yoke member 'i0 comprises the opposite, parallel legs 'il and 'l2 connected at one end by a cross member I3 which is formed at one side edge with an outwardly projecting ilange i3d. Cross member 'i3 and flange 'i3d are formed with a rectangular opening 'i4 therethrough of cross sectional dimensions which will permit of the latch bolt tail piece |3| and hooked inner end |32 thereof being passed through this opening to mount the yoke on the tailpiece. The opposite free ends of legs and l2 are provided with the laterally outturned `*flanges l5, one of which is adapted when in assembled position to engage the outer free end of the actuating leg 52 of latch member 5B.

The yoke l5 is mounted and assembled on latch bolt tail piece |3| with the cross member 13 and its flange 13a positioned between the inner end of the latch bolt and outer end of the latch bolt actuating spring |32, as will be clear by reference to Fig. 8. The legs 1| and l2 of yoke l@ extend inwardly along the case walls ll and |89, respectively, and the opposite outturned Vend flanges 15 of these legs extend freely through openings 'I'iformed in case wall and cap |129. In this instance leg 7| happens to be the leg assembled at the outer side of case and the outturned flange 15 vthereof projects outwardly through opening I in position engaged at its inner side by the outer free endY of latch memberactuating lleg 52. Depression of latch bolt E39 and its tail piece |3| independently of the spindle actuated yoke |28, will force yoke inwardly and thus through the engagement of the outturned flange 'l5 of leg 1|, with the end of latch memberleg 52force latch member 5l)v Vtion may be effected by a person from the outside of the door D. To this end an opening or bore is provided through the front or outer wall of the outside rose Hl in line with the outturned flange 'l5 of leg 12 of yoke 10. By inserting a suitable instrumentality such as a screw driver, nail, hairpin or the like stil-I article, through opening 8E into engagement with ilange 15 of leg '12, the yoke 10 may be forced inwardly to thus force leg 1| inwardly to move'latch 50 to position releasing sleeve 40 for return under the action of spring 34 from engaged, locking position in the square opening 2| of the locking plate 2U to unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate.

lilssemblfl/ and operational summary The assembly and the installation on a door, such as door D, of the door locking, latch mechanism of the invention will be clear from the foregoing description and fromFigs. 1, 2', 7 and 8 of the drawings in particular.

In Figs. l, 2 and '7, theforganization is shown in its normal position for retraction of latch bolt 99 for door opening by operation of. either the outer knob O or the inner knob I. Rotation of either knob in either direction rotates spindle S and, with this spindle extending through and engaged in the square opening of the roll-back ||5 of the latch bolt unit L, the roll-back will be rotated to draw yoke |20 rearwardly and retract the latch bolt .99.from its door locking position engaged in usual strike plate 8|, shown more or less schematically in Fig. 2 of the drawings.V yIf it is the inner knob I that is actuated to cause retraction of latch bolt 99, it will be understood that the knob will be ilrst rotated through its lost motion on spindle S until pin 36 has engaged the sides of the slot 35 in the end of the hub member 3i), after which continued rotation of the knob will rotate the spindle. Release of the knob I will bring into play the self-centering means comprised by the balls 38 and springs 39 to restore the knob to its centered position on spindle S. v Y

If now a person at the inside of door D wishes after closing the door to lock the latch mechanism against retraction of the latch bolt 99 from the outside of the door, the push button B slides the locking sleeve 4|) inwardly on spindle S until the sleeve is engaged'in the square locking hole 2| of latch plate 20. Thelatch plate being a fixed member, the spindle S is thus secured against rotationby the outer knob O, so that the latch bolt 99 cannot be Vretracted or the door opened from the outside by outside knob operation.

In ythe lnormal unlockedposition of the latch mechanism, the locking dog or tongue v151A of latch member `50 yieldingly rides on the adjacent side of the locking sleeve 60. When, however,

this sleeve is moved inwardly by depression of button B and assumes locking position in square opening 2| in latch plate 20, latch member 50 is biased inwardly by spring 55 and the dog 54v is projected inwardly over and across the outer end of sleeve llllandY thereafter holds thatsleeve from retraction by spring 34 from locking position. Thelocked position of the latch mechanism is showninFig. 8 of the drawings.

When a person at the inside of the door wishes to open the door with the mechanism locked, he does so by normal rotation of the inner knob I.

When this normal rotation is. started, due toY the lost motion mounting of the inner knob I on spindle S, hub member 30 is first rotated on and independently of spindle S. and as the dog `54 is located in a camming slot B0 of hub member .30, vthe dog l! is thereupon cammed outwardly with latch member' against the action of latch member spring 55, until dog 54 isclear of. the outer end of sleeve 40. Immediately upon dog54 clearing sleeve 40, spring 34 takes control and returns button YB to outwardly projected position and thus through push rod 4| draws sleeve 40, outwardly on spindle S from locking position engaged in latch plate to unlocked position disengaged from the latch plate. Hence, the entireorganization is then returned to normal, 4unlocked. position for door opening by either the inner-knob I or the outer knob O.

`If through inadvertence or willfully, someone depresses button B with the door swung to open position clear of the strike plate 8|, to thereby lock the latch mechanism against actuation by the outside knob O, and the door should happen to be swung to closed position, the latch member and itslocking dog 54 will be released automatically and the mechanism will restore to yunlocked position. This is effected by the yoke ll in the latch bolt unit L. As the door is closed and the latchbolt 99 is depressed by engagement with strike plate 8l, yoke 1l! is forced inwardly by the latch bolt and latch member 50 is moved radially outwardly relative to the spindle until the dog. 54 clears the locking sleeve. rIhe locking sleeve i0 is then restored to unlocked position automatically by the action of spring 34.

Thus, in using a door equipped with the door locking latch mechanism of my invention, no concern need be given by the user to releasing the Vlatch mechanism from lockedposition, as under all conditions of operation such release is automatically effected either by normal door knoboperation to open the door or by depression ofthe latch bolt 99 in the normal functioning of that bolt by` engagement with the strike plate 8|v in the closing 'of the door if button B has been depressed to locking position with the door in Aopen position. Y

vIt will also bev evident that various other changes, variations, modifications, substitutions, eliminations and additions may be resorted to without, departing from the broad spirit and scope-*of my invention, and, hence, I do not intend to limit theinvention in all respects` to the exact and specific disclosures hereof, except as may be required by intended specific limitations thereto appearing in certain of the appended claims.

i. What I claim is:

l. In a door latch mechanism, in combination; a latch bolt actuating, rotary spindle; a latch bolt unit including, a latchV bolt mounted 'for movements between a projected-position and. retracted position, and actuating mechanism vfor retracting said .bolt from projected position, said latch bolt beingdepressible from projected position to retracted position independently of said actuating'mechanism, and said rotary spindle being operatively coupled with said latch .bolt

actuating mechanism;A a lockingme'mber mounted for vvactuation betwena positionlocking said spindle against rotation and a positionY releasing said spindle for rotation; v.an inner knob mount.-

ed on saidfspindle vforv rotating the spindle; a manually operable member mounted on said inner knob 'and being operatively connectedr lwith said locking member for actuating said member toY spindle locking position.; a latching member mounted for actuation .tov and from `position releasably latching said .locking memberin locked position; and an actuating member connected with said latch bolt and beingadapted to engage said latching member by independent depression of said latch bolt to Aretracted `position to actuate said latchingmember to unlatchedposition. L",

2. In a door latchl mechanism, in combination, a latch bolt'. actuating, rotary spindle; a latch bolt unit including, a latch bolt mounted for movements between va projected position and retracted position, an actuating mechanism `for {retracting saidbolt, saidlatch bolt. being vdepressible froml projected to retracted positions independently of said actuating mechanism,l and said rotary spindle .being operatively coupled with said latch bolt actuating vmechanism; a locking member mounted forv actuation between a positionA locking said spindle against' rotation and a position releasing sai-d spindle for yrotation; a latching memberV mounted for actuation to and'from position releasably latching said locking member in locking position; and an actuating member connected with saidlatch bolt and being adapted to, engage said latching member by independent depression of said-latch bolt to retracted position to thereby. actuate said latching member to unlatched position.

3. In a door latch mechanism, in combination; a latchbolt actuating, rotary spindle; a latch bolt-'unit including, a latch bolt mounted for movements betweenaiprojected position and retracted positions,jand anactuating mechanism for retracting said 1 latch-:bolt from projected position, said rotary.A spindle. being operatively connected Vwith said. latch bolt actuating mechanism, and said latch bolt being-'mounted for depression to retracted positions independently of said actuating mechanisms; vlocking means mounted for actuation between a position locking saidspindle against rotation and a position releasing saidspindle for rotation; a latch member mounted foractuation to andfrom position releasably latching said locking means in spindle locking position; saidlatch member including an-actuating leg; a yoke member connected to Y said latch bolt and including inwardly extendingrotation of :said knob in either direction on i said spindle;` a lockingvmember mounted for actuation'betweenr a position locking said spindle against-land a position releasing said spindlefor rotation a manuallyoperable member mounted in said knob; operative connections between said manually operable.t member and said locking member for yactuation .of the latter memberto Spindle` locking Aposition 1, by, operationY Y of..said

1'9 manua12member;1spring meansadapted to continuouslfyfbiassaid locking member froml spindle locking tois'pindle; releasing position; Va, latch member 'mounted independently of. said. locking member andof said knob for movements to and from position engaged withv and. latching said locking'member in.locked position; spring means adapted to continuously.` yieldingly bias said latch member to latching position; said latch member being'in operativee'ngagement with. said. locking member and being adapted to be actuated automaticallyjto position latching said locking Ymember in locking. position by movement ofV theY latter; from spindle releasing to; spindle lockingposition; andi an actuating member operatively connectedrwith said knob and being adapted to be actuated thereby to engage andV move saidlatch member to positionreleasing Ysaid locking. member when said knobis. rotated in either direction on said'shaft; 5. Ina' door latch mechanismnn combination; a latch boltactuating spindle; aknob mounted on said'spindle for rotating thespindle; a latch bolt unit including, a latch bolt mounted, for movementsy between' proj ected; and retracted. positions,. and. actuating mechanism for retracting said bolt from projected.y position; said latch bolt adapted to be depressed'fromprojectedposition to retracted' position independentlyof said actuating mechanism; a. lookingmember mounted for movementsbetween position locking said spindle against rotation and position' releasing said spindle for rotation; a. latch. member. mounted for movements between a, positionr latching said locking member. locked position and a. position releasingisaid lockingmember; means. operativelyconnectediwith said; knobY adapted to be actuated by. r'otationfof4 the knob for moving'said latching means from. latching position; and means operatively connected With said .latchi bolt adapted tobe .actuated byv independent depression of said bolt for engaging and moving said latching member from latching. position to position releasingsaidlocking member.

6. In.afdoonlatch,y mechanism,.in combination; a latch boltv Vactuating spindle; a latch bolt unit including; a'. latchbolt mounted for movements betweenaproj ectedand va retractedposition; said spindle beingoperatively connected with said latch. bolt 'actuating mechanisrm and:` said. latch bolt being; arranged. and mounted for depression frompro'j'ected tot retracted positionindependentjly .of said' actuating mechanism; a locking member mounted. for movements between a position locking saidv spindle. against and a positionv releasingsaid. spindler for rotation; ai latch'member'mounted for displacement to andfrorn a Yposition releasably'latching saidA locking member in its spindle locking position; and a Vmember operatively connected with said latch bolt and adapted to be engaged With said latching member to releasethe latter from latching' position by movement of said latch. bolt independently -of saidlatch boltactuating mechanism. Y

7..In a doorilatch mechanism, incombination; alatoh bolt actuating spindle; a knob mounted on said spindle for rotating the spindle; a latch boltV unitl including, a: latch bolt mounted for movements .between a proiected'positionand a retractedv positiorngand actuatingv mechanism for retracting saidwlatchgbolt fromxprojected positi'on;said latchibolt being mounted and arranged for depression vfrom'. projected to. retracted4 position` independently ofsaid actuatingY mechanism; a@ leck-ing' member mounted for 'movements Vbe- 20 tween a positionlocking saidspindle against and a. position releasing. saidfspindle for rotation;` a latch. member mounted` for movements to and from positionengagedwith andfreleasably latching saidzlocking. member.- in locked position; an actuating memberfconnected .With said knoband adapted tobe operatedv by rotation of said.' knob to engageV and move said latch.. member from latching position vengaged With said locking member to position releasing the locking member; and

a member operatively connectingsaidlatch bolt.

and said latch member adapted to be operated by independent depression of said latch bolt4 to displace said latch member from latchingposition to position releasing said locking member.

8. In a door latch mechanism, in combination;l ai rotary spindle; a knob mounted on said spindle for independent rotation ineither directionthereon; means limiting rotation of said knob in` either direction in said spindle to a predetermined range.

of rotation; biasing means adapted tol continuously yieldingly bias said'knob to a predetermined intermediate position in the range of rotation of said knob on said spindle; a locking member` mounted for movements between a` position lock.- ing'saidspindle against and a position releasing said spindle for rotation; mechanismior moving said' locking member to spindle locking position; a latch member mounted for movements to and from aV position releasably latching. saidA locking meansin its locked position; and means operatively connected with said knob adapted to be actuated by independentrotation of said knob in either direction from. its said intermediate. position on said spindle for actuating'said latching member from latchingr'position to release saidY locking means.

9'. In a door latch mechanism, in combination; a plate adapted to be mounted in fixed position and having an opening therethrough; a rotary spindle adaptedto be mounted in position extending through said opening; a locking sleeve slidably mounted in position on and around the exterior ofsaid spindle for positive rotation with the spindle; said sleevefbeing, mounted on said spindle atone side of said pla-te Vandbeingslidable longitudinally oi" said spindleto andfrcrn position received inv said plate opening'A innonrotary engagement YWith said plate tolock the spindle against rotation; a knob'` unit mounted on said spindle for rotation independently thereof meansjlimiting rotation of said knob in either direction on said spindle; springv means adapted to continuously bias said locking sleeve outwardl ly from spindle locking' position received in said plate opening; manually operable means for moving said locking sleeveinto locking position in said plate opening; a latch member-mounted on said xed plate-'independently of said-locking sleeve for movements radially toward andV from said locking sleeve and spindle; said latch member being positioned on said plate to slidably engage the adjacent sidel of said sleeve when the latter is in position out of locking engagement in said plate and to engage the adjacent. end of said sleeve when the latter is in locking position in said plate opening to'v thereby latch; the

sleeve vagainst displacement; spring means adapt.- ed to continuously biasV said: latch member to latching position; and said knob. being provided with camming surfaces rotatable therewith adapted to. engage said' latchV member upon rotation-of said knob unit ineither direction to cam said. latch-member from position latching to positionreleasing said lockingfsleeva y 10. In a door latch mechanism, in combination; a plate member adapted to be mounted in Xed position and having an opening therethrough; a rotary spindle adapted to be mounted in position extending through said opening in said plate member; a locking sleeve member slidably mounted on the exterior of said spindle for rotation therewith as a unit, said locking sleeve member being mounted on said spindle in position at one side of said fixed plate member for movements longitudinally of said spindle to and from position received in said plate memberl opening in non-rotary engagement with the plate member to lock said spindle against rotation; a knob on said spindle mounted for limited rotation in either direction on and relative to the spindle; means adapted to limit rotation of said knob on said spindle; spring means adapted to continuously bias said locking sleeve member from locking position in said plate member opening; manually operable means for moving said locking sleeve member into locking position in said plate member opening; a latch memben mounted on said plate member independently of said locking sleeve member for movements on said plate member to and from latching position releasably locking said locking sleeve member in locking position against said locking sleeve member biasing means; means adapted to continuously bias said latch member tolatching position; and means connected with and adapted to be actuated by limited rotation in either direc'- tion of said knob on'said spindle for engaging and moving said latch member from latching position to position releasing said locking sleeve member.

11. In a door latch mechanism, in combination; a plate adapted to be mounted in fixed position and having an opening therethrough; a rotary spindle adapted to be mounted in position extending through said opening; a locking sleeve member slidably mounted on said spindle for rotation with the spindle, said sleeve being mounted on said spindle at one side of said plate for movements thereon longitudinally thereof to yand from position received in said plate opening in non-rotary engagement with said plate to lock the spindle against rotation; a knob unit on said spindle including, a knob hub mounted for limited rotation in either direction on and independently of said spindle; means adapted to continuously bias said locking sleeve member from spindle locking position in said plate opening; manually operable means for moving said locking sleeve member into locking position in said plate opening; a latch member mounted on said plate independently of said locking sleeve member for movements to and from a latching position releasably engaged with and latching said said locking sleeve member in spindle locking position; means adapted to continuously bias said latehing member to its said latching position; and said knob hub being formed to provide camming surf-aces for engaging said latch member upon independent rotation of said knob unit in either direction on said spindle to cam said latching member from locking sleeve latching position to position releasing said sleeve.

GOTTHARD HAGSTROM.

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